World Plumbing Day, observed on March 11, recognises the pivotal role plumbing plays in improving public health and living standards. The international event was created by the World Plumbing Council (WPC) in 2010 to promote high-quality plumbing and sanitation.
What’s the purpose of World Plumbing Day?
Plumbing is often taken for granted in Western countries, but many people are not so fortunate. According to UNICEF, 2.1 billion people on the planet lack access to clean water. What’s more, 4.5 billion people don’t have safely managed sanitation services like toilets. The tragic result is millions of people die annually of preventable diseases like cholera and dysentery. Frequent water shortages and droughts are also a stark reminder of the need for sustainable and energy-efficient plumbing infrastructure. World Plumbing Day raises awareness for these issues and reflects on the countless benefits of well-developed plumbing infrastructure.
Beyond health-related and environmental issues, World Plumbing Day celebrates those in the plumbing industry. Taking a shower, flushing the toilet, and drinking from the tap are all possible thanks to the contributions of skilled plumbers and advanced technology.
Why is World Plumbing Day important in Australia?
The plumbing industry is a cornerstone of Australian society, which is why World Plumbing Day is so paramount. There are over 87,100 plumbers dedicated to ensuring people have access to clean water and facilities. That number is projected to grow as the demand for installation services in residential and commercial buildings increases.
More importantly, Aussies would be exposed to a host of health and safety problems without trained plumbers. Waterborne diseases, mould, and dangerous bacteria can plague the country without good plumbing. The most recent bushfire crisis also damaged plumbing infrastructure and increased the chances of hazardous materials contaminating water supply lines. This means plumbers are responsible for restoring clean water and sanitation facilities to affected communities.
It’s only right to support and appreciate the efforts of hardworking people in the plumbing industry. After all, plumbers do the jobs that most Aussies can’t, and they help increase the quality of life for everyone in the country.
How do people celebrate World Plumbing Day?
There are hundreds of activities in schools and large corporations that occur during World Plumbing Day. Australian plumbers, in particular, come together to network, acknowledge skilled tradies, and share ideas about improving plumbing standards and sanitation practices. Notable events include:
- The Hardware & General Plumbing Trade Show in New South Wales, where attendees can discover the latest products and solutions in the industry. The event has live demonstrations, lucky door prizes, and free food!
- Industry BBQ breakfast and lunch in Reece Toowoomba West and Samios Hervey Bay in Queensland to celebrate hardworking plumbers and promote apprenticeships.
- Annual Apprentice Skills Contest at Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) Brunswick. Contestants are given a specific work project and judged on precision and proficiency for the chance to be named ‘Best Apprentice Plumber’.
In addition to these events, the WPC encourages those in the industry to spread the word about World Plumbing Day. This involves giving a presentation in schools discussing the significance and the rewarding prospects of a career in plumbing. It also means arranging tradie meet-and-greets, sausage sizzles, trade shows, and tech demonstrations. You can even promote the event and share useful infographics through social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The point is there are many ways you can show support for plumbers and their commitment to supply everyone potable water. If you run a plumbing business, it’s time to think about how you’ll provide better outcomes for your clients. You can invest in well-trained tradies, use reliable tools and materials, and even employ advanced software.
WorkBuddy is a plumber’s app of choice for organising jobs, tracking work, and ensuring high-quality service. It’s loaded with powerful features designed to make your plumbers more efficient and help you improve people’s quality of life. Request a free demo or talk to us today to find out what WorkBuddy can do for you.
